NovAliX expands its research alliance with Kyowa Hakko Kirin.

Strasbourg, France, November 18, 2013/ b3c newswire

NovAliX SAS announced today that it has entered into a fragment-based drug discovery project with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Japan. This is a continuation of the alliance announced on January 14 of this year and builds upon the positive results already generated by the NovAliX biophysical platform.

The companies will commence research against a new clinically significant target involving the discovery of novel small molecules that modulate protein-protein interaction. First, NovAliX will generate lead candidates using its Graffinity® screening platform. The ensuing “hits” will be elaborated by NovAliX’ in-house teams of biophysical and chemistry experts. The biophysical toolbox encompasses a broad spectrum of instrumental techniques employed iteratively to support the activities of synthetic organic, computational and medicinal chemists.

Under the terms of the agreement NovAliX will receive technology access fees as well as further research funding payments and milestones.

Stephan Jenn, President of NovAliX, stated, ”We in NovAliX are highly excited by this important development in our relationship with Kyowa Hakko Kirin. The collaboration with a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company underlines the value offered by the NovAliX integrated drug discovery platforms; platforms designed and proven to deliver not only hits and but also optimized lead compounds. The extension of the drug discovery alliance to another target validates our capabilities.”

About NovAliX

NovAliX is providing enabling chemistry and biophysical technologies to support the pharmaceutical industry’s outsourcing needs from discovery to manufacturing. With its proprietary Graffinity SPR technology, X-ray protein crystallography, native mass spectrometry and chemistry NovAliX offers comprehensive integrated services for small molecule drug discovery. With advanced NMR technologies, NovAliX provides fine characterization of biologics, thorough analysis of APIs and polymorphism studies to support pharmaceutical development and manufacturing teams. NovAliX Group, a team of 130 scientists, is located in Strasbourg-Illkirch (France) and Heidelberg (NovAliX’s Graffinity subsidiary in Germany). More info at: www.novalix-pharma.com.

About Kyowa Hakko Kirin

Kyowa Hakko Kirin is a leading biopharmaceutical company in Japan focusing on its core business area of oncology, nephrology and immunology/allergy. Kyowa Hakko Kirin leverages antibody-related leading-edge technologies to discover and develop innovative new drugs aiming to become a global specialty pharmaceutical company which contributes to the health and well-being of people around the world. For more information, visit http://www.kyowa-kirin.com.